These Wrecked Hearts- (Published Under IMMAC)

Kabanata 22 - Hillary

KHIANA's POV

Hillary Pineda, she's the model and sa fashio icon that was linked to Ryker before. I read some articles about her before. Maraming lumabas na article tungkol sa kanilang dalawa. Parte naman ng industry ang mga chismis at minsan pa nga ay fake news.

Ryker has always been denying his romance with Hillary while she's always trying to make it seem like there's something between them.

I don't like her!

Kahit pa habang binabasa ko ang mga articles at pinapanood ang mga videos niya, hindi ko na talaga siya gusto. And now that she's in front of me and she's looking at Ryker, my man, seductively and trying to flirt with him made me realize why I had always disliked her. Her looking at Ryker made my blood boil.

"It's been a long time, Ryker." she said.

"Yeah. But what are you doing here?" Ryker began asking in a monotone, greeting-like tone. "I don't remember telling you to go here."

Hillary approached Ryker and placed her hand on his arm before continuing her trek. "I just wanted to see you," she murmured, fluttering her eyes. "I've been thinking about you a lot."

Nakita ko kung paano nagusot ang ekspresyon ng mukha ni Ryker. "Hillary, I have no time to play with you."

"I am not here to play with you." She smiled sweetly. Then she stepped inside the condominium. Ang lakas naman ng loob niya! "You know, I heard from River that you went back to Manila. I was so excited you know? I missed you so much, Ryker!"

Kita ko ang paniningkit ng mga mata ni Ryker. Para bang bored na bored siya habang nakatitig dito. "I didn't miss you or what, Hillary. You see I am busy," he said.

"Busy of what?" Nakita kong sinilip ako ng babae. Nasa likuran kasi ako ni Ryker ngayon. "This woman?"

"She's my girlfriend."

I saw Hillary's eyebrow almost form a straight line. "Your what?"

"My girlfriend," Ryker repeated.

She laughed. "Is that a joke? Because if it is, it's very funny!" Biglang nilapit ni Hillary ang katawan niya kay Ryker. Halos magusot ang pagmumukha ko. She touched Ryker's shoulder, attempting to seduce him. "Don't you miss our old hobby? You know... Sex."

Again, I was overcome with feelings of jealousy, but I forced myself to take a slow, deep breath and told myself to put my faith in Ryker. I had no doubt in my mind that he loves me and wants this relationship with me. I don't care if they have past! What's more important right now is the present.

"Hillary!" He called her name with a threat.

"What?"

"That was in the past now." Ryker pushed Hillary away and that put the woman in awe. Kita ko sa ekspresyon ng mukha niya na nasaktan siya. "Hillary, I believe it's time for you to go," Ryker advised, taking her hand from his arm as he spoke.

"Why?" The pout was coming from Hillary. "Don't you miss me, Ryker? Don't you want me anymore?"

Ryker gave a little nod in response. "No, I don't. I'm not interested in having any interaction with you since I'm in love with Khiana. You may leave now."

The expression on Hillary's face changed, and she glared at me with an angry expression. "Khiana, you're nothing more than a rebound. At the end he will leave you!"

"Hillary, stop!"

Hinarap ni Hillary si Ryker. "Hindi pa tayo tapos, Ryker. We'll see each other soon."

When I heard her remarks, I could feel my blood beginning to boil, but before I could say anything, Ryker interrupted me.

"Get out now, Hillary," he ordered in a threatening tone of voice that was low.

Hillary huffed and then moved in the direction of the exit. "Fine," was her response to my question. "But if you do change your mind, Ryker, you know where to find me," the woman said.

As she walked away, Ryker did not utter a single word; nonetheless, I could see that he was still upset. I approached him and shook his hand as I got closer.

"Are you okay?" I asked him, staring up at him. "Don't mind that crazy woman!"

When Ryker gazed down at me, I could feel love in the eyes that he was looking at me with. "I'm okay," he responded, drawing me into a hug. "Hindi ka ba galit? Hillary and I used to have past—"

"It doesn't matter anymore! Those are past now."

"I love you, Khiana. You are the only person I have any interest in. Please believe me..." He hugged me tightly. "I don't want anyone except you."

"I believe you."

"I love you so much..."

I was overcome with joy as a result of his remarks, and I held him even more fiercely than before. I replied, "I love you too, Ryker," as I basked tighter in his embrace, which made me feel secure and protected.

Hindi kami gumagalaw sa posisyong iyon ng ilang minuto, nakadikit lang sa isa't isa. Nagpapasalamat ako sa honesty at pagmamahal ni Ryker at sa katotohanang handa siyang protektahan ako mula sa sinumang gustong manakit sa akin.

Ryker remarked to me as he began to move away from me, "I'm sorry that you had to witness that, Khiana. I am quite aware of how Hillary's comments may get under your skin."

"It's okay," I murmured, beaming up at him. "I trust you, Ryker. You don't have to mind her."

The expression on Ryker's face changed, and he came closer to give me a kiss. The kiss was soft and sweet, and as it came closer, I could feel all of my concerns vanishing into thin air.

Ryker stepped back from me and stated, "I'm never going to let anyone hurt you, Khiana." I was startled by his words. "I promise."

"Thank you," I responded to him.

"I'm not going to let anyone ruin our relationship, Khiana."

Napangiti naman ako ng sabihin niya 'yon, ramdam ko kung gaano niya ako ka mahal kaya may tiwala akong kaya niya akong ipaglaban at handa din akong gawin 'yon para sa kanya. I will not let anyone destroy us, even that bitch Hillary.

Alam kung hindi mapagkakatiwalaan ang babaeng 'yon, halata naman kasi na may nararamdaman siya para kay Ryker kaya alam kung kaya niyang gawin ang lahat para lang masira kami.